A Co-Operative Social Emotional Learning Project
Welcome to The Little Beautiful Place. We are committed to providing a loving environment where constituents can experience deep belonging, an interest in the world, a love of learning and a sense of purpose in life.
If this sounds like something you’re looking for, read on!
Fall 2025 Core Co-Op Day: Learning to Knit
This Fall, join us as we go step-by-step toward knitting finished products. No prior knowledge is required. Our goal is for both caregivers and children to experience the joy of learning a new craft and engaging with this lifelong art form.
Dates: 11 weeks, September 10 – November 19
Days/Times: Wednesdays, 10-12pm (classroom), optional lunch & park play 12-2pm
Ages: Our Core Co-Op Day is designed for children K-5th grade who are potty-independent and prepared to follow a group rhythm. Younger children may tag along with older siblings when a caregiver is present.
Rhythm: We follow a simple rhythm: quiet opening activity, circle time, main lesson, story, depart.
Expectations: Caregiver and children attend together for the first 4 weeks. This gives us a chance to establish rhythms and boundaries and form trusting relationships. After 4 weeks, caregivers have the option of drop-off, with a 4:1 child to caregiver ratio.
Needs: You will be provided with a list of required items prior to our session beginning.
How to Sign Up: Sign Ups Coming Soon!
Our philosophy
We recognize and welcome the unique gifts brought by each constituent and each member of our parent/caregiver team. We honor the beauty of childhood with simple rhythms, an emphasis on nature, and a people-centered approach to education. We prioritize social-emotional learning over concrete academic experiences and look for natural, genuine opportunities to provide age-appropriate learning goals based on constituent interest.
Aspects of TLBP education:
- Routinely put people first
- Emphasize the harmony of nature
- Respect the individuality of each constituent
- Foster cooperative conflict resolution
- Co-construct the school on an ongoing basis with input from all members
Learning Objectives
TLBP seeks to foster in each constituent a desire:
- to give voice to his/her needs and balance them with the needs of others.
- to become an enthusiastic contributor to the community.
- to face the challenges of life with creativity, optimism and flexibility.
- to be able to express his or her maximum intellectual, artistic and practical potential with strength and sensitivity.
- to feel grounded in the rhythms of the world and to see the beauty and good at its heart.
- to actively continue to learn, grow, and expand.
FAQs
What is a cooperative?
A co-op is a group of homeschool families who meet regularly to share resources, support each other, and provide a more social and enriching learning environment for their children. A co-op does not replace the need for each family to seek its own academic and enrichment opportunities; rather, we support each other in meeting that need.
When do you operate?
Our co-op meets once a week, with additional outings and group days as desired. Families are welcome to participate in days that suit them best:
- Wednesday, Core Co-Op Day, 10a-12p – This is our “closed” day where only members may participate. This day forms the foundation of our ongoing objectives and offers the most structure. Membership opens every learning unit; each week in a unit, the group work builds on the prior week. In order for a Co-Op to thrive, attendance is strongly encouraged each week but not required.
- Friday, Field Trip Day, meeting at various times and locations *Drop in welcome*
Where are you located?
Our specific location is never publicly posted for safety reasons. All our meetings take place within Hermosa Beach, with the exception of field trips which may occur anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area.
How much does it cost?
Most of our meetings are offered for no cost. Participation in our Core Co-Op Day does require a nominal membership fee each learning unit to cover the cost of rent and supplies.